Turney, Jon

Presents an introduction to English scientist James Lovelock and his Gaia hypothesis, explaining how and why he came to the conclusion that Earth is alive, discussing how his theory was initially received, and looking at how scientists are using the Gaia theory to guide inquiries into how Earth works.

Chronicles the development of biological science, discusses how the public's view of it has changed over the last two centuries, and relates its progress and society's acceptance of it to Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein.".

Presents both moral and ethical questions arising from how we use technology.